Pistol

ABSTRACT

Pistols have a body having a grip, the grip defining a magazine passage, the body having a trigger guard defining a trigger space, the body having an upper surface, the body having a first mounting facility, an upper frame assembly removably connected to the body in a connected position, the upper frame assembly including a trigger element extending into the trigger space when in the connected position, a protrusion extending upward from the upper surface of the body, the protrusion having a forward-facing first bearing surface, and the upper frame assembly having a rear-facing second bearing surface adapted to abut the first bearing surface when in the connected position to transmit recoil forces from the upper frame assembly to the body. The upper frame assembly may have a slide rail. The upper frame assembly may define a horizontal slide plane.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/209,932 filed on Dec. 4, 2018, entitled “PISTOL,” which is aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/678,483filed on Aug. 16, 2017 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,260,828, entitled“RECEIVER ASSEMBLY FOR LOCKED BREECH PISTOL,” which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all that is taught anddisclosed therein.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,932 also claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/623,042 filed on Jan. 29,2018, entitled “DETACHABLE AND MODULAR HANDGUN DUST COVER,” which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that is taughtand disclosed therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates a pistol receiver assembly. In particular,it relates to a receiver assembly for a semi-automatic pistol.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The introduction of the semi-automatic pistol having a short recoillocked breech (hereinafter semi-automatic pistol) by Glockrevolutionized the pistol market for semi-automatic weaponry. While theslide, barrel, and recoil spring are made of steel, the remainingreceiver assembly is a one-piece device. About 90% of the receiverassembly is plastic. The receiver assembly is manufactured as asingle-piece assembly. If you wish to have a different part of thereceiver assembly, it is necessary to replace the entire assembly.

In addition, while the lightweight nature of plastic adds someadvantages, as the gun heats up during use, the differences in expansioncoefficients for steel versus plastic have been known to cause someproblems. In addition, if a portion of the assembly is damaged, onceagain, the entire assembly must be replaced. At this point, however, noone has determined how to design a multiple piece receiver assemblywhich overcomes the problems associated with the current technology forsemi-automatic pistols.

Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved pistol that is modularin construction, thereby providing extensive customization options forthe user without requiring replacement of the entire receiver assembly.In this regard, the various embodiments of the present inventionsubstantially fulfill at least some of these needs. In this respect, thepistol according to the present invention substantially departs from theconventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing soprovides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing apistol that is modular in construction, thereby providing extensivecustomization options for the user without requiring replacement of theentire receiver assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention relates to a semi-automatic pistol assemblywherein there are multiple pieces that fit together to form a receiverassembly. Because of the nature of the design, the assembly can beplastic, as in previous models, but can also be entirely of metal, whichnot only allows for solving the problems noted above, but allows forfurther customizing of the receiver assembly without having to have anew assembly for each modification.

To attain this, the preferred embodiment of the present inventionessentially comprises a body having a grip, the grip defining a magazinepassage, the body having a trigger guard defining a trigger space, thebody having an upper surface, the body having a first mounting facility,an upper frame assembly removably connected to the body in a connectedposition, the upper frame assembly including a trigger element extendinginto the trigger space when in the connected position, a protrusionextending upward from the upper surface of the body, the protrusionhaving a forward-facing first bearing surface, and the upper frameassembly having a rear-facing second bearing surface adapted to abut thefirst bearing surface when in the connected position to transmit recoilforces from the upper frame assembly to the body. The upper frameassembly may have a slide rail. The upper frame assembly may define ahorizontal slide plane. There are, of course, additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and which will form thesubject matter of the claims attached.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of the sub-receiver.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front dust cover.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pistol grip frame.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the grip back strap.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the magazine well funnel.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the trigger assembly.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a slide, barrel, and recoil spring.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the trigger, slide barrel, and recoil springmounted on the assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the assembled receiver assembly of theinvention.

FIG. 10 is a top front isometric exploded view of a first alternativeembodiment of the pistol constructed in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a bottom front isometric exploded view of the pistol of FIG.10.

FIG. 12 is a left side sectional view of the pistol of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a right side sectional view of the pistol of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a bottom sectional partial view of the pistol of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a rear isometric view of the dust cover of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a bottom front isometric view of the sub receiver of FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a bottom sectional view of the pistol of FIG. 10.

FIG. 18 is a left side sectional view of a second alternative embodimentof the pistol constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 is left side view of a first alternative embodiment of the frontdust cover incorporating a laser emitter suitable for use with thepistols of FIGS. 10 and 18.

FIG. 20 is left side view of a second alternative embodiment of thefront dust cover incorporating a light suitable for use with the pistolsof FIGS. 10 and 18.

FIG. 21 is front isometric view of a third alternative embodiment of thefront dust cover incorporating a suppressor suitable for use with thepistols of FIGS. 10 and 18.

FIG. 22 is front isometric view of a fourth alternative embodiment ofthe front dust cover incorporating a compensator suitable for use withthe pistols of FIGS. 10 and 18.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the presentdisclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of theprinciples and not intended to limit the invention to the specificembodiments shown and described. In the description below, likereference numerals, if any, are used to describe the same, similar, orcorresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. This detaileddescription defines the meaning of the terms used herein andspecifically describes embodiments in order for those skilled in the artto practice the invention.

Definitions

The terms “about” and “essentially” mean±10 percent.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as morethan one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or asmore than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

The term “comprising” is not intended to limit inventions to onlyclaiming the present invention with such comprising language. Anyinvention using the term comprising could be separated into one or moreclaims using “consisting” or “consisting of” claim language and is sointended.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certainembodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments without limitation.

The term “or”, as used herein, is to be interpreted as an inclusive ormeaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B, or C” means any ofthe following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C”. Anexception to this definition will occur only when a combination ofelements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutuallyexclusive.

The drawings featured in the figures, if any, are for the purpose ofillustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present invention,and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. The term “means”preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desiredfunction for which there are one or more embodiments, i.e., one or moremethods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function andthat one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalentin view of the disclosure herein and use of the term “means” is notintended to be limiting.

As used herein, the term “semi-automatic pistol” refers to asemi-automatic pistol having a short recoil locked breech. These are thepistols generally referred to in the trade as Glock pistols or Glocksafe “Action®” pistols. These are various caliber bullet type pistolswhich, in the prior art, have a one-piece metal and plastic receiverassembly. As used herein, the term “semi-automatic receiver assembly”refers to a collection or kit of parts comprising a sub receiver, afront dust cover, a pistol grip frame, and at least one of a front andrear grip strap which assemble into a receiver for accepting a triggerassembly, a slide, a barrel, a recoil spring assembly, a bullet magazinetube, and a magazine well funnel.

As used herein, the term “sub receiver” refers to a piece of the wholereceiver that is designed to receive the barrel and the slide with therecoil spring attached. In the original Glock, this is just a moldedarea and not a separate piece. The front of the sub receiver has adevice for removably attaching a front dust cover. In the firstembodiment shown in the Figures, there are two cylindrical lockingposts. These each have a spring-loaded ball bearing and front with twoholes in the front dust cover to assemble the pieces together.

As used herein, the term “front dust cover” refers to a piece, as shownin the Figures, which attaches to the front of the sub receiver. It is aprotective cover positioned below the barrel to protect the exposedbottom portion of the barrel on the pistol, the top portion covered bythe slide assembly. In one embodiment, there are two holes on the backside for mounting/connecting to the receiver sub-assembly, as shown inthe Figures.

As used herein the term “pistol grip frame” refers to the portion of thepistol, as shown in the Figures, which includes the trigger guard, thetrigger mounting, the handle to hold the pistol, trigger guard, and aspace to insert the magazine tube assembly.

As used herein the term “grip strap” refers to a detachable front andback piece which, as shown in the Figures, mounts to the front and backof the handle on the pistol grip frame in order to change the size ofthe grip handle for different size hands. The connection can be by anymeans. In one embodiment, it is a removable attachment, for example byscrews, clips, or the like.

As used herein, the term “magazine well funnel” refers to a device atthe end of the space to insert the magazine tube assembly which widensthe opening in a funnel fashion to make it easier to insert a magazinewith bullets into the magazine well.

As used herein, the term “trigger assembly” refers to the mechanism in asemi-automatic pistol that comprises the trigger and the mechanism usedto transfer the trigger movement to firing a bullet. A representativeexample of such mechanism is shown in the Figures and mounts on thepistol grip frame.

As used herein, the term “slide” refers to the standard slide used withsemi-automatic pistols and is well known in the art.

As used herein, the term “barrel” refers to a standard barrel used withsemi-automatic pistols and is well known in the art.

As used herein, the term “recoil spring assembly” refers to the standardrecoil spring used in semi-automatic pistols and is well known in theart.

As used herein, the term “magazine tube assembly” refers to the magazinethat holds bullets, e.g. 9 mm bullets, that is inserted into the gripframe handle for delivering bullets during use. The standardsemi-automatic pistol magazine is intended.

DRAWINGS

Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of thereceiver sub-assembly 1 of the present invention. In this view, thereare two locking posts 2 in the front 3 of the sub-assembly 1 formounting the front dust cover. In the back 4 of the sub-assembly, thereis a slide clip 5 for mounting to the pistol grip frame. For additionalmounting to the grip frame are pin holes 7 which mate with holes on thepistol grip frame. The internal mechanism 8 is designed to hold thebarrel and receiver in the manner known in the art. FIG. 1B is a sideview of the sub-assembly 1.

FIG. 2 is a front dust cover 20 having channel 21 for clearance of therecoil spring and mounting holes 22 for receiving the posts of thesub-assembly and connecting the two.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pistol grip frame 30 where thereceiver mounts to the grip frame 30 at front 31. The grip frame 30 hashandle 32 for receiving a magazine in a well 33 and mounting lugs 34 forreceiving a back grip strap. A front grip strap 38 is already attachedto the front of handle 32. It is designed to receive a trigger assemblyand position a trigger in trigger guard 37.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a grip back strap 40 which mounts on themounting nuts 34 of the pistol grip frame handle 32, shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a magazine well funnel 50 which mounts on the bottom of thepistol grip frame handle for making it easier to insert a magazinequickly by increasing the size of the initial opening. Mounting is shownin FIG. 9. In this view, screws are used with mounting holes 51 toattach the well funnel 50.

FIG. 6 shows a typical trigger assembly 60. In this view, we see trigger61, connector 62, and trigger bar 63 which is inserted into the pistolgrip frame in the normal manner known in the art.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the typical slide 70, barrel 71, and recoilspring 72 which is used in a semi-automatic pistol. These items arewithin the skill of the art and the present invention, as noted above,is designed to receive these items.

FIG. 8 shows the assembled slide 70 with the barrel 71 and spring(hidden from view) and trigger assembly 60 on an assembled receiverassembly of the invention 80.

FIG. 9 is the assembled semi-automatic pistol receiver 90 of theinvention. In this view, bullet magazine 91 is shown being inserted intothe receiver assembly 90. The parts from the previous figures arenumbered here to show their position in the assembled product.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the improved pistol100 of the present invention. More particularly, the pistol has a body112 having a forward trigger guard 114, a rearward grip 116, and anupper surface 296. The trigger guard defines a trigger space 118. Arecoil lug 120 having a transverse bore 122 is located on top of thetrigger guard forward of an elongated central magazine passage 124defined by the grip. The recoil lug is a protrusion extending upwardfrom the upper surface of the body having a forward-facing first bearingsurface 292. The magazine passage is adapted to receive a magazine anddefines a magazine axis 284. The grip has opposed left and right sidewalls, a front portion, and an opposed rear portion. The front portionof the pistol grip frame includes a first front grip strap attachmentfacility, which is a dovetail 126. In the specification, the termdovetail feature is not limited to the traditional woodworking taperedshape. The rear portion of the pistol grip frame includes a rearprotrusion 128 with a bore (not visible). A front strap element 130 hasa second front strap attachment facility, which is a rear slot 132 thatslidably receives the dovetail to removably connect the front grip strapelement to the dovetail on the pistol grip frame. The front portion ofthe pistol grip frame defines a front path, and the front grip strapelement is an elongated element movable along the front path, such thatthe front grip strap element is removable for replacement by analternate front grip strap element. The first front grip strapattachment facility and the second front grip strap attachment facilityform a sliding interface. The sliding interface includes aprotrusion/male feature having a constant cross-section (the dovetail)and a recess/female element having a constant cross-section (the rearslot) adapted to closely receive the protrusion. In the specification,the term cylindrical is not limited to circular cross-section, but toforms having the same cross-sectional profile along their length. Thus,the sliding interface includes closely mating cylindrical forms defininga sliding axis 282. The sliding interface is parallel to the front path.

The body 112 has a lower rim 274. A magazine funnel element 228 isadapted for connection to the pistol grip frame at the lower rim at aninstalled position. The top front of the magazine funnel element 228defines a stop portion/step 248. The step is positioned proximate thefront strap element 130 to prevent removal of the front strap element byvertical movement of the front strap element on the dovetail 126 whenthe magazine funnel element is secured beneath the grip in the installedposition a manner to be described subsequently. The front strap elementhas a lower end surface 276 abutting the step. The lower rim of the gripdefines a rim plane, and the front path is perpendicular to the rimplane. The front strap element is an elongated body perpendicular to therim plane.

A sub receiver 134 is removably connected to the upper surface 296 ofthe body 112 in a connected position where the lower surface 138 of thesub receiver abuts the upper surface of the body. The sub receiver alsohas an upper slide interface surface 136 that acts as a slide interfacefacility, forward end 140, rear end 142, and opposed major right andleft faces 144, 146. A trigger element 148 protrudes downwardly from thelower surface of the sub receiver. The trigger element is received by atrigger opening 150 in the body communicating with the trigger space118, thereby enabling the trigger element to extend into the triggerspace when the sub receiver is in the connected position. The recoil lug120, which is also forward of the trigger opening, is received within aslot 152 located in the lower surface of the sub receiver in front ofthe trigger. The slot has opposed parallel sidewalls. The slot includesa rear-facing second bearing surface 294 adapted to abut theforward-facing first bearing surface 292 of the recoil lug. A frontframe pin 154 is inserted through bore 156 in the right face of the subreceiver and bore 122 in the recoil lug, which are registered when thesub receiver is in the connected position, to releasably secure the subreceiver to the body. The forward end of the sub receiver includes aforward protrusion 158 defining a bore 160 and a first mounting facility162. In the current embodiment, the first mounting facility is a pair ofrecesses 164, 166. The recesses are a pair of spaced-apart connectionelements, each proximate to a respective opposed major right and leftface. The forward end of the sub receiver also defines a first bore 168that is in communication with the recesses. The trigger mechanismhousing 206 extends downwardly from the lower surface of the subreceiver adjacent to the rear end. The trigger mechanism housing definesa bore 208 and a downward facing slot 210. When the sub receiver isattached to the body, the downward facing slot receives the rearprotrusion 128 on the body, and a rear frame pin 212 is inserted throughthe bore 208 and the bore (not visible) and the rear protrusion on thebody to releasably secure the rear end of the sub receiver to the body.The recoil lug being received by the slot and the rear protrusion beingreceived by the downward facing slot both serve as mating elements onthe body and on the sub receiver adjacent to the magazine passage 124and adapted to prevent sliding motion of the sub receiver with respectto the upper surface of the body. It should be appreciated that the subreceiver can be viewed as a portion of the body from the perspective ofthe remaining components of the pistol 100 once the sub receiver isconnected to the body.

A front dust cover 170, which is an elongated form, is releasablyattached to the forward end 140 of the sub receiver 134. The front dustcover has a forward end 172, rear end 174, upper surface 176, and lowersurface 178. The upper surface defines a concave channel 180. The lowersurface includes a Picatinny rail portion 182 or any other suitable typeof accessory mount. The rear end includes a connection facility/secondmounting facility 184 and defines a bore 186. In the current embodiment,the connection facility/second mounting facility is a pair of posts 188,190 adjacent to right and left faces 192, 194 of the front dust cover.The posts are sized to be slidably received within the pair of recesses164, 166 that form the first mounting facility 162. The rear end alsodefines a slot 196 that receives the protrusion 158 on the sub receiverwhen the posts are slidably received by the recesses. A screw 198 isthreadedly received by the bore 186 in the front dust cover and bore 160in the protrusion to releasably secure the front dust cover to theforward end of the sub receiver. A front dust cover pin 200 is insertedthrough first bore 168 in the sub receiver and second bore 202 in thefront dust cover to further releasably secure the front dust cover tothe forward end of the sub receiver. The first and second bores areregistered when the front dust cover is in the attached position, andthe front dust cover pin is closely received in the first and secondbores to secure the front dust cover in the attached position. The frontdust cover has a height at the rear end extending from the upper surfaceto the opposed lower surface. In the current embodiment, the front dustcover is cantilevered from the sub receiver.

A slide 204 is slidably attached to the upper slide interface surface136 of the sub receiver 134 by slide rails 288 that define a horizontalslide plane. The slide reciprocates fore and aft in response to recoilforces resulting from the discharge of the pistol 100. The angled shapeof the recoil lug 120 directs the recoil forces transmitted from thesecond bearing surface 294 of the sub receiver to the first bearingsurface 292 of the recoil lug downwards into the body 112 to preventundesirable muzzle rise that would otherwise be created by the recoilforces. The second bearing surface is parallel to the first bearingsurface. The slide has a selected slide length between a rear slide end270 and a forward slide end 272. The front dust cover 170 has a forwardend 172 defining a front dust cover length with respect to the rear end174 of the front dust cover. The length of the front dust cover isselected to extend to underlay the forward end of the slide with theforward end of the front dust cover registered with the forward end ofthe slide such that the front dust cover can be interchanged with adifferent length front dust cover to be compatible with a differentlength slide. The connection facility/second mounting facility 184enables movement of the front dust cover with respect to the slide onlyin a vertical direction, and limits motion and all other directions.

A back grip strap element 214 is releasably attached to the rear end 142of the sub receiver 134. The top of the back grip strap element includesa second linear interface element/dovetail 216 that slidably receives afirst linear interface element/dovetail slot 218 located at the rear end142 of the sub receiver 134. In the specification, the term dovetailfeature is not limited to the traditional woodworking tapered shape. Thefirst linear interface element is aligned with an attachment axis 286offset from the magazine axis 284, which is perpendicular to the rimplane defined by the lower rim 274 of the body 112. The first linearinterface element is parallel to the side plane defined by the sliderails 288. The first linear interface element and the second linearinterface element form a sliding interface. The sliding interfaceincludes a protrusion/male feature having a constant cross-section (thedovetail) and a recess/female element having a constant cross-section(the dovetail slot) adapted to closely receive the male element. In thespecification, the term cylindrical is not limited to circularcross-section, but to forms having the same cross-sectional profilealong their length. Thus, the sliding interface includes closely matingcylindrical forms defining a sliding axis 290. The back grip strapelement includes pin cutouts 220, 222 that expose the bore 208 in thetrigger mechanism housing 206 to enable rear frame pin 212 to beinserted into the bore. The bottom of the back grip strap elementdefines a downwardly facing slot 224 having a threaded bore 226. Itshould be appreciated that the back grip strap element depends only fromthe rear end of the sub receiver and is not attached to the rear of thebody 112, but merely abuts the rear of the body.

The magazine well funnel element 228 is removably connected to thebottom of the back grip strap 214. The top of the magazine well funnelelement has an upwardly facing protrusion 230 with a passage 232 that isreceived within the downwardly facing slot 224 of the back grip strap214. A fastener in the form of screw 234 is received by the passage 232and threadedly engaged with the threaded bore 226 in the back grip strapelement 214 to releasably attach the magazine well funnel element to thebottom of the back grip strap. The sub receiver 134, back grip strapelement, and magazine well funnel element effectively form a C-clamparound the pistol grip frame 32, which enables the back grip strap andmagazine well funnel element to be held tightly against the pistol gripframe to compress the pistol grip frame without a fastener connectingthe back grip strap element to the body. The top of the magazine wellfunnel element also includes a front tab 236, rear tab 238, right tab240, and left tab 242. The front tab includes a forward protrusion 244.The tabs are received within the magazine passage 124 of the body 112 atthe lower rim 274 of the body with the forward protrusion within thedovetail 126 to align a magazine well opening/funnel inlet 246 inregistration with the magazine passage. The tabs serve as a secondengagement adapted to prevent the magazine well funnel element fromsliding with respect to the lower rim of the grip. In the currentembodiment, the funnel inlet is tapered to facilitate insertion of amagazine (not shown) through the funnel inlet and into the magazinepassage. The magazine well funnel element also includes an engagementfacility adapted to prevent separation of a forward portion of themagazine well funnel element (the front tab) away from the body. In thecurrent embodiment, the engagement facility is a hook element 278 havingan engagement surface 280 facing away from the grip. The hook elementextends in a forward direction to enable removal of the magazine wellfunnel element from the body only in a rearward direction.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate how the sub receiver 134 and the front dust cover170 of the improved pistol 100 of the present invention form a puzzlelock to releasably secure the sub receiver to the front dust cover. Moreparticularly, in FIG. 15, it can be appreciated that posts 188, 190 ofthe second mounting facility 184 are elongated protruding male elementsdefining a male constant cross-sectional cylindrical/profile havingheads 250, 252 having a head width and necks 254, 256 having a secondwidth less than the head width. The posts define sliding axes 258, 260that are angularly offset/perpendicular to the slide interface planedefined by the upper slide interface surface 136. In FIG. 16, it can beappreciated that the recesses 164, 166 of the first mounting facility162 are female elements having constant cross-sections defining passages262, 264 adapted to closely receive the heads and gaps 266, 268 adaptedto closely receive the necks. Thus, the second mounting facility isadapted to removably dock with the first mounting facility in anattached position. The upper surface 176 of the front dust cover is inthe slide interface plane when the front dust cover is in the attachedposition, and the first mounting facility and second mounting facilityform a sliding interface. In the current embodiment, the slidinginterface is a dovetail feature, which is defined as any feature havinga wider head than an associated neck. In the specification, the termdovetail feature is not limited to the traditional woodworking taperedshape. Furthermore, in the specification, the term cylindrical is notlimited to circular cross-sections, but to forms having the samecross-sectional profile along their length. Thus, sliding interface isperpendicular to the slide interface plane and includes closely matingcylindrical forms that also define the sliding axes. The slidinginterface includes elongated connection elements (the posts) that extendfrom a lower end proximate the lower surface 178 of the front dust coverto an upper end proximate the upper surface of the front dust cover. Inthe current embodiment, the posts extend from the lower surface of thefront dust cover to a location 0.0965 inches below the upper surface ofthe dust cover. The puzzle lock between the front dust cover and the subreceiver and the transverse front dust cover pin provide strength andresistance to bending. These characteristics are essential because thefront dust cover is cantilevered and can receive lights or otheraccessories on the Picatinny rail portion 182 that add weight to theforward end of the front dust cover.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the improved pistol 300of the present invention. More particularly, the pistol has a body 312having a forward trigger guard 314, a rearward grip 316, and an uppersurface 496. The trigger guard defines a trigger space 318. A triggeropening 350 in the body communicates with the trigger space 118. A slot352 having opposed parallel sidewalls is located on top of the triggerguard forward of an elongated central magazine passage 324 defined bythe grip. The slot is defined by the upper surface of the body and has aforward-facing first bearing surface 492. The magazine passage isadapted to receive a magazine and defines a magazine axis 484. The griphas opposed left and right side walls, a front portion, and an opposedrear portion.

A sub receiver 334 is removably connected to the upper surface 496 ofthe body 312 in a connected position where the lower surface 338 of thesub receiver abuts the upper surface of the body, thereby enabling thetrigger element to extend into the trigger space when the sub receiveris in the connected position. A recoil lug 320 having a transverse bore322 is a protrusion extending downward from the lower surface of the subreceiver having a rearward-facing second bearing surface 294. The recoillug, which is forward of the trigger opening 350, is received withinslot 352. The recoil lug includes a rear-facing second bearing surface494 adapted to abut the forward-facing first bearing surface 492 of theslot. It should be appreciated that the sub receiver can be viewed as aportion of the body from the perspective of the remaining components ofthe pistol 300 once the sub receiver is connected to the body.

FIG. 19 illustrates a first alternative embodiment of the improved frontdust cover 400 of the present invention. More particularly, the frontdust cover 400 is suitable for use with pistols 200 or 300. The frontdust cover 400, which is an elongated form, is releasably attached tothe forward end of the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300. The frontdust cover has a forward end 402, rear end 404, upper surface 406, andlower surface 408. The upper surface defines a concave channel (notvisible). The lower surface includes a laser emitter 412. The rear endincludes the same connection facility/second mounting facility 414 asdoes the front dust cover 170 (a pair of posts and a slot). Thus, thesub receiver of pistols 200 or 300 and the front dust cover 400 of thepresent invention form a puzzle lock to releasably secure the subreceiver to the front dust cover 400. The front dust cover 400 also hasthe same bores as the front dust cover 170 to receive the same screw andfront dust cover pin to secure the front dust cover 400 to the forwardend of the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300 in the same manner.

FIG. 20 illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the improvedfront dust cover 500 of the present invention. More particularly, thefront dust cover 500 is suitable for use with pistols 200 or 300. Thefront dust cover 500, which is an elongated form, is releasably attachedto the forward end of the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300. The frontdust cover has a forward end 502, rear end 504, upper surface 506, andlower surface 508. The upper surface defines a concave channel (notvisible). The lower surface includes a light 512. The rear end includesthe same connection facility/second mounting facility 514 as does thefront dust cover 170 (a pair of posts and a slot). Thus, the subreceiver of pistols 200 or 300 and the front dust cover 500 of thepresent invention form a puzzle lock to releasably secure the subreceiver to the front dust cover 500. The front dust cover 500 also hasthe same bores as the front dust cover 170 to receive the same screw andfront dust cover pin to secure the front dust cover 500 to the forwardend of the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300 in the same manner.

FIG. 21 illustrates a third alternative embodiment of the improved frontdust cover 600 of the present invention. More particularly, the frontdust cover 600 is suitable for use with pistols 200 or 300. The frontdust cover 600, which is an elongated form, is releasably attached tothe forward end of the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300. The frontdust cover has a forward end 602, rear end 604, upper surface 606, andlower surface 608. A rear portion of the upper surface defines a concavechannel 610. A forward portion of the upper surface includes asuppressor 612 that sits in front of the muzzle of pistols 200 or 300.The rear end includes the same connection facility/second mountingfacility 614 as does the front dust cover 170 (a pair of posts and aslot). Thus, the sub receiver of pistols 300 or 400 and the front dustcover 600 of the present invention form a puzzle lock to releasablysecure the sub receiver to the front dust cover 600. The front dustcover 600 also has the same bores as the front dust cover 170 to receivethe same screw and front dust cover pin to secure the front dust cover600 to the forward end of the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300 in thesame manner. Furthermore, the alignment of the connection of the frontdust cover 600 to the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300 is repeatable.This enables the front dust cover 600 to be repeatedly removed andreinstalled without creating a risk of bullet strikes on the baffles(not visible) within the suppressor as the bullet enters through a rearpassage (not visible) and exits through front passage 616.

FIG. 22 illustrates a fourth alternative embodiment of the improvedfront dust cover 700 of the present invention. More particularly, thefront dust cover 700 is suitable for use with pistols 200 or 300. Thefront dust cover 700, which is an elongated form, is releasably attachedto the forward end of the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300. The frontdust cover has a forward end 702, rear end 704, upper surface 706, andlower surface 708. A rear portion of the upper surface defines a concavechannel 710. A forward portion of the upper surface includes acompensator 712 that sits in front of the muzzle of pistols 200 or 300.The rear end includes the same connection facility/second mountingfacility 714 as does the front dust cover 170 (a pair of posts and aslot). Thus, the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300 and the front dustcover 700 of the present invention form a puzzle lock to releasablysecure the sub receiver to the front dust cover 700. The front dustcover 700 also has the same bores as the front dust cover 170 to receivethe same screw and front dust cover pin to secure the front dust cover700 to the forward end of the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300 in thesame manner. Furthermore, the alignment of the connection of the frontdust cover 700 to the sub receiver of pistols 200 or 300 is repeatable.This enables the front dust cover 700 to be repeatedly removed andreinstalled without creating a risk of bullet strikes on the compensatoras the bullet passes through front passage 716. The top of thecompensator defines a front vent 718 and a rear vent 720 that vent aportion of the hot gasses emitted by the muzzle of pistols 200 or 300upwards to compensate for muzzle rise resulting from recoil forces. Apotion of the lower surface of the front dust cover 700 includes aPicatinny rail portion 722 or any other suitable type of accessorymount.

In the context of the specification, the terms “rear” and “rearward,”and “front” and “forward” have the following definitions: “rear” or“rearward” means in the direction away from the muzzle of the firearmwhile “front” or “forward” means it is in the direction towards themuzzle of the firearm.

While current embodiments of a pistol have been described in detail, itshould be apparent that modifications and variations thereto arepossible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of theinvention. With respect to the above description then, it is to berealized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of theinvention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readilyapparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalentrelationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A pistol frame comprising: a body having a grip; the gripdefining a magazine passage; the body having a trigger guard defining atrigger space; the body having an upper surface; the body having a firstmounting facility; an upper frame assembly removably connected to thebody in a connected position; the upper frame assembly including atrigger element extending into the trigger space when in the connectedposition; a body stop portion proximate the upper surface of the body;the body stop portion having a forward-facing first bearing surface; andthe upper frame assembly having a rear-facing second bearing surfaceadapted to abut the first bearing surface when in the connected positionto transmit recoil forces from the upper frame assembly to the body. 2.The pistol frame of claim 1 wherein the upper frame assembly has a sliderail.
 3. The pistol frame of claim 1 wherein the upper frame assemblydefines a horizontal slide plane, and wherein the forward-facing firstbearing surface is angled downward with respect to the slide plane at aselected angle.
 4. The pistol frame of claim 1 wherein the rear-facingsecond bearing surface is parallel to the forward-facing first bearingsurface.
 5. The pistol frame of claim 1 wherein the upper frame assemblyhas a lower surface abutting the upper surface of the body.
 6. Thepistol frame of claim 1 wherein the upper frame assembly defines arecess having opposed parallel sidewalls and receiving the body stopportion in the recess.
 7. The pistol frame of claim 1 wherein the bodystop portion defines a first transverse bore, and the upper frameassembly defines a second bore registered with the first transverse borewhen in the connected condition.
 8. The pistol frame of claim 7including a pin received in the first transverse bore and second bore.9. The pistol frame of claim 1 wherein the body stop portion is forwardof the magazine passage.
 10. The pistol frame of claim 1 wherein theupper surface of the body defines a trigger opening communicating withthe trigger space.
 11. The pistol frame of claim 1 wherein the body stopportion is forward of the trigger opening.
 12. The pistol frame of claim1 including mating elements on the body and on the upper frame assemblyadjacent to the magazine passage and adapted to prevent sliding motionof the upper frame assembly with respect to the body upper surface. 13.The pistol frame of claim 12 wherein the mating elements include a bodystop portion on at least one of the body and the upper frame assemblyand a recess on the other of the body and the upper frame assembly.